Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Kai Havertz was lucky not to see red for an elbow on Newcastle defender Dan Burn.
The pair clashed in the first half at Stamford Bridge, as the duo went up for a header. Burn won the aerial duel, but immediately went to ground.
Referee David Coote booked Havertz, but it could’ve been more. Replays showed the German clearly elbowing the Toon defender. That took some doing considering how tall Burn is.
VAR did look at the incident, but did not advise the referee to watch a replay of the challenge.
The elbow certainly angered Burn, who had strong words with Havertz once he was able to get to his feet. The 29-year-old was split open, but was fortunately able to continue.
Kai Havertz elbow was ‘naughty’
Speaking on Sky Sports Premier League at half time, Hasselbaink was critical of Havertz.
“I think he was naughty there,” Hasselbaink said.
He added: “I like him as a player, he has been doing absolutely magnificent, but that is bad.”
Havertz was very lucky not to see red
Havertz was very lucky not to be sent off for his elbow on Burn. While you have to use your arms when jumping, his was incredibly high.
The damage was there for all to see – Burn reemerged for the second half with a huge lump on his head. The wound then began to bleed again.
VAR decided not to intervene, meaning Coote’s original decision stood. It was the kind of foul that some would describe as an ‘orange’.
It wasn’t the only time VAR failed to help Newcastle against Chelsea. The Magpies weren’t given a clear penalty early in the second half after Trevor Chalobah fouled Jacob Murphy in the box.
It was a stonewall penalty. The referee instead gave a corner, which was completely wrong. But VAR decided there was no clear and obvious error, which is just laughable. It’s moments like this that make you wonder why we even have VAR.
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